A police spokeswoman said Mr McHattie was appointed in March 2008, after the job was advertised nationally.

"His promotion on merit to detective senior sergeant roles in Auckland District was prior to the commencement of an employment investigation in 2009.

"If the detective senior sergeant is found to have committed misconduct relating to action while in the Wairarapa, then any sanctions would apply would apply regardless of the position and rank he occupies."

Several officers have faced code of conduct investigations as a result of two major police operations which delved into child abuse files, with the results of some conduct cases still pending.

Police Commissioner Howard Broad said the examination was a thorough one covering all policies, procedures and practices and conduct as related to child abuse.